DM-PC: Dornhold Merriweather's page

Dornhold renews his grip on his weapon as he notices the ratswarm approaching from a new direction.

"Lady, take the animals and yourself to safety and alert the others. I will hold the beasts here."

Sayarisha, the animals are eager to go with you, but spooked and flighty. As you gather up their leads make a handle animal check for me to keep them calm. It has been a stressful day for your donkeys.

Not seeing a place to insert himself into the battle with the largest darkmantle, Dornhold will take a long path around the smaller one, avoiding its range to prevent an attack while moving. Moving into flanking position across from Zordlon he takes a swing with his mace.

Melee Mace!: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17 Hit!
Damage Mace!: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

The mace hits, dealing a powerful blow across the pointed head of the beast. While a bludgeoning implement, the blow was strong enough to break both skin and the cartilagenous bone of its skull. The purple brackish liquid begins to leak out, as well as a smelly yellowish oil. The creature screams in pain.

Mid-round update: Both monsters are still standing, but they are both looking very hurt. Zurne connected with his attack, but Taanimohka unfortunately missed both of hers. Small is below 50% health after the blow from Dornhold. Large is below 25% health.

"Lady, I will defend you, and earn my keep."

With a wry smile, Dornhold adjusts his grip on his mace and charges in after Unbuegsam. Unfortunately the swing goes wide and misses the creature entirely.

Melee Charge Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 - Miss!

He follows up with a second swing of the mace now that he is in close quarters, but seems to be having trouble connecting with the beast in any meaningful way.

Standard Initiative Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 - Miss again!

"I seem to be having problems, perhaps I will back off and let someone else take a crack at it."

After failing to hit twice Dornhold moves back about 10' to allow room for others to come in if they want. This is still before the creature has acted in the initiative order, so it is still flat footed and does not have any reactions yet. No attack of opportunity.

Action Summary: Charge darkmantle during surprise round end charge 1 square south of monster. Melee attack and then move 10' south from there during standard initiative round.

Zurne pushes the door back closed, sealing off the foul smell and leaving the room and carcass pile unexplored. Dornhold nods in agreement.

"Is smelling of vile pit. Not worth troubles me thinks.

Elf man said other doors not trapped though. I will open next. Mistress, should go forward or to the right? I will check see if safe."

Dornhold looks inquiringly at Sayarisha, awaiting instructions.

"Coming Miss."

Pulling the rust colored donkey behind him, Dornhold positions himself to be between his client and the possible dangers in the room, the door and the orcs.

"Where to next do you think?"

Unless heading directly into danger without strategy, Dornhold will pretty much move on the map where directed while in exploration mode. Feel free to move his icon around yourself if I don't have him where you want him. I am also happy to participate in the RP though. :)

While in initiative order I will handle his tactical movement and actions, although he will still take direction from you if you give him orders.

As promised, here come the rest of our adventurers!

As Byung-He and company decide what to do about the orcish voices in the distance, the rest of the party comes through the doorway led by Dornhold and one of the donkeys.

"Ah!, Here ye are. Mistress was worried you had fallen into a hole or something. Nice of you waiting for us though."

He steps away from the door the make room for the others following him to come through.

Heading over to update the map now. Did I read right earlier that there are currently two donkeys in the party? Want to put them on the map...you know, for no reason in particular.

"I can check the other door mistress, must do something to earn my pay afterall."

Heading over to the door to the east, Dornhold looks for any kind of mechanism and failing to find one simply pushes against the door. Having pressed harder than Zordlon,the display is shorter but much the same. The iron face of the door is slowly consumed by the same sheet of darkness that sits beyond the northern doorframe.

"Thas right unsettlin' that is."

Pulling an unlit torch from his pack, Dornhold strikes a flame and once it gutters to life presses the torch head through the blackness. As the light crosses the barrier it again ceases to throw any illumination back into the room.

"Right unsettlin'."

Dornhold's brow lowers in concentration for a moment. He shifts his grip on the torch and digs in his feet, as if participating in a tug of war.

"You won't believe this mistress. I can't get the torch back out. Side to side, up and down, no problem. But now that it's in it's stuck there."

He moves the torch around in the opening to illustrate his point, and then once again braces his feet, placing one against the wall immediately next to the door. There is no sign of the torch coming back out, he might as well be attempting to lift a building.

"What should I do now? I don't think this torch is coming back."

Dornhold chuckles at the display. "Seeming wolf-cub wanting my job Sayarisha. I not renegotiate price just because new competition."

Dornhold laughs into his cup, draining the watery ale in a single elongated gulp. Putting the tankard back on the table, he addresses the Mayor.

"I am being Dornhold Merriweather. They say I am being merry regardless of the weather. I was guard for Tuskbeard's caravan, but back and forth is boring, and life is short. Mistress Sayarisha Khovihani has hired me as a manservant and bodyguard, which may be less boring, but more short."

I will defer to the DM's decision on hidden skill rolls, initiative, and combat stamina.

On the issue of NPC vs. Mule/donkey, I think I'd like to take the third option and have both Dornhold and a donkey.

Greetings. My name is being Dornhold. My mace and skills are at your service Madam Khovihani